Blurb: I was never supposed to be a rock star. I had my life all planned out for me. Play football in college. Go to the NFL. Marry my high school sweetheart and live happily ever after.

I broke both our hearts that day when I told her I was leaving. I was young. I made the right decision for me, but the wrong decision for us. I’ve poured my soul into my music, but I’ve never forgotten her. Her smell, her smile.

And now I’m going back.

After ten years.

I hope I can explain that after all this time.

I still want her to be my forever girl.

My Review: After watching the trailer for “Forever My Girl,” I knew I had to see the movie, so when I found out that it’s based on a book, I instantly downloaded it and started reading it the following day.

This was my first time reading anything by Heidi McLaughlin, and it will not be my last. As one who loves reading country romances mixed with first loves, I knew it would be an enjoyable read. However, what I didn’t know was exactly how much I would love it. Right from the beginning, I was hooked.

Alluring, sweet, sexy, and tempting at the same time, Liam Westbury turned Liam Page is my new book boyfriend. While he did leave town, with his first love, Josie, behind, and went to follow his dreams, I believed he knew he messed up, which was why I understood the constant need to make Josie know the truth about why he left.

While to some, Josie might seem dull and weak, I found her to be not only compassionate but someone I could relate to, especially if I were put in her position.

I don’t give spoilers, but if you read the book, you will know why Liam Page has two sides to him. As for which one I loved the most, I can’t say.

Heidi McLaughlin’s writing was exquisite, and I was left wanting more (it’s a good thing this is a series, right?). The only thing about this book was that there were some editing mistakes, but being so intrigued by the characters and their storylines, it wasn’t too much of a bother.

If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh and cry (sometimes at the same time), then I highly recommend this quick and touching read.

Blurb: If you love Christmas movies, as in you check the Hallmark Channel guide starting in July, then hang on to your stockings, because here comes the merriest of indulgences in print. It’s “The Proposal” meets “The Holiday”.

First meet Robyn Lane. She’s always dated struggling creative types, including her current squeeze (Perry, an actor). For this year’s Chrismukkah celebration, her parents would love her to bring someone stable, reliable, steadily employed. You know, with health insurance and a 401(k).

Now let’s meet Sidney Bellows. Her parents already plan her professional life (she’s an attorney at her father’s law firm). If she brings her current boyfriend (Will, an attorney) to the family Christmas extravaganza, her parents will have their wedding planned by New Year’s Eve.

Leave it to a mutual friend (and copious amounts of wine) to find a playful solution: Swap those boyfriends, fool the parents, and enjoy the holidays. It’s perfect! Robyn can show off a successful attorney boyfriend, and Sidney’s high-society family won’t ring those wedding bells when they meet a flaky actor beau.

The fun isn’t in the theory, it’s in the practice.

Will turns out to be the boy-next-door Robyn crushed on hard throughout her teenage years. Sidney’s family fawns all over Perry like he’s an Oscar-winner rather than a D-list wannabe.

Fool the parents? Enjoy the holidays? Swapping boyfriends never sounded so good or went so bad. Take time to read this one. It’s like Christmas in July.

My Review: From the first sentence to the last, this book had me hooked, and I was disappointed when it ended.

Robyn and Sidney are quite the opposite women, yet I found it funny how they picked men who belonged to the other.

As far as Robyn, she seemed to be a dedicated music teacher who just wanted someone to love and who would love her. I liked her with Perry but didn’t ever sense any real chemistry. However, there were definite sparks between her and Will. Robyn and Will made a beautiful couple.

Sidney is a straightforward woman who knows exactly what she wants, allowing herself for little fun. While I did like her and Will, who seemed like a power-couple, when Perry is brought into her world, I loved the sexual tension and could see them together. They made for a few laugh-out-loud moments.

I do not like to give spoilers in my review, so you’ll just have to read the book and find out how it ends. Though, I must say…W.O.W.!

I’ve been a big fan of Meredith Schorr’s for years, and have often referred to her as my go-to author for when I’m looking for something to read. Whichever book she’s released, I guarantee you will love it! I’m not one who usually reads holiday books, but this one is by far an exception.

“The Boyfriend Swap” will stay with me for a long time, and I’m already wishing for a sequel! If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh and cry, and will fill your heart with joy, then I recommend this romantic read.

Blurb: Nerd. Weird. Ugly. That’s me. And I don’t want it to be anymore.

Now is my time to make my mark on the world. My college roommate doesn’t make it easy. Neither does her brother, Jesse, but for completely different reasons. He makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.

Wanted. Important. Beautiful.

But we can’t be together because it isn’t real. Someone like him could never fall for someone like me. We aren’t meant to fit together.

Even if I fall apart without him.

My Review: At some point in our lives, I think it’s safe to say that we can all relate to Violet. We’ve not all been the funny or popular one, nor the pretty or beautiful one. Not only life, but people can be cruel.

While Violet might have it all on paper (brains), that is hardly what people see on the outside. Jesse is the one who makes her feel beautiful, and I liked his caring ways, but his sister, Olivia, made me cringe. I wish she’d just mind her own business and not bother them, and especially make Violet’s life any more miserable. Also, at times, it seemed like Olivia was very jealous of Violet and the time she spent with Jesse. (I could understand the protectiveness, but not the jealousy).

Not only did I feel that it was Olivia who tortured Violet, but her mother, too, which I found sad. However, I was so glad that she could rely on her father, who seemed to have a caring soul.

My only issue was that it wasn’t as lifting as I’d hoped. While “Ugly Beautiful Girl” was a heart-wrenching read, Tracy Krimmer wrote this book beautifully.